diachrony

[ dahy-ak-ruh-nee ]

noun

, plural di·ach·ro·nies.

1. historical change.
2. Linguistics.
   1. the study of a linguistic system through comparison of different points in its history; a diachronic approach to language study: Compare synchrony ( def 2 ).

      The analysis emphasizes diachrony as a means for understanding sound systems.

   2. change or development in a linguistic system over a period of time:

      The diachrony of the language suggests that the bare form was the original.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diachrony¹

First recorded in 1955–60; diachron(ic) + -y ³